Using the Sandblaster

How the Sandblaster Works Our sandblaster uses compressed air to force silicon carbide beads (also called “abrasive” or “sand”) through a nozzle. Each piece of abrasive hitting your project makes a tiny scratch. Millions of tiny scratches together remove part of the glass or mirrored paint. The areas that are exposed to the abrasive will be rough and whitish. The areas that are protected by resist will remain mirror or smooth glass.

Safety First! If you have not passed the safety quiz on this piece of equipment, do not use it. If you do not understand how to use this equipment properly and safely, ask for help. Shut down machine and report hazardous conditions to the teacher right away. If you do not use this equipment safely and properly, you will complete written work instead of fun projects.

Safety Equipment Wear a particle mask any time the sandblaster is under pressure, when the cabinet door is open, or when adding more abrasive Wear safety glasses any time the sandblaster is under pressure. This safety equipment applies to the artist, the helper, and any observers.

Safety Procedures Turn on the light and dust collector before use. Let it run 10 minutes after you’ve shut off the pressure system. Only aim the nozzle at the project—not at the window, the walls of the cabinet, the light, or the door. Especially do not aim it toward your other glove—it can quickly cut through and do a number on your hand. Abrasive beads are slippery—do not run around this machinery. Use the rubber non-skid mat provided. Sweep up any abrasive spills right away.

The Buddy System We sandblast in pairs. There are a lot of things to worry about, and this makes it easier for beginners. When you are ready to sandblast, choose a buddy and sign up on the list on the wall by the sandblaster. When your pair is finished sandblasting, cross your names off the list and call back the next pair.

Preparing to Sandblast Put on masks. Open the cabinet and put projects against board. Be sure they are flat and not touching each other. Lay nozzle in a place you can easily pick it up. Close and latch cabinet securely. Turn on the vacuum, if it’s not already on. Preparing to Sandblast

Filling Pressure Pot Abrasive is found in the bucket under the cabinet. If the bucket is empty, put on a mask, press the trap door and refill the bucket.

Sift one full silver scoop through the screen into the pressure pot. Use the rubber scraper to force the rest of the abrasive into the pressure pot. Tap the plunger off on the sides of the pressure pot to clear the rubber gasket.

Turning on the Pressure Both: Check safety gear—masks and glasses are now required. Artist: Put your hands in the gloves and aim the nozzle straight at your project, holding it about 8-10” away. Helper: Hold up the plunger on the pressure pot and simultaneously open the pressure valve slightly.

Closed Open

Helper: Keep the pressure between 40-60 psi by adjusting the pressure valve.

Continue Etching Your Work Artist: As soon as there is pressure, move the nozzle back and forth, side to side, around in circles, etc to get all areas of the project. It will be very dusty for a while, but eventually you’ll be able to see what you have missed. When the first artist finishes, switch places and let the second artist work. After about 5 minutes of run time, you’ll need to refill the pressure pot. You need to shut the pressure system down to refill.

Decompressing Helper: Pull the pressure valve all the way up, then push it down just a tiny bit. Artist: Continue moving nozzle around, aimed at artwork, until there is no pressure left and the plunger drops. Helper: If the plunger doesn’t drop, move the pressure valve just a tiny bit up or down to hit exact zero. Once the plunger has dropped, put on your mask and either refill the pressure pot or remove your projects from the cabinet. Leave the vacuum on for the next group. If you are the last group of the day, remember to turn the vacuum off after 10 minutes.

Finishing your project When you remove your project, check to see that everything has been thoroughly etched. If not, stick it back in and fix it. Carefully peel off all the resist and contact paper. Wash your project well and dry it. If you have sticky residue, spray sparingly with citrus cleaner and let it sit a couple minutes before wiping it off. Keep your project in your cabinet until I collect it to be graded.

Sandblaster Practice Quiz

Q: What safety gear is used when sandblasting? A: Safety glasses and particle mask. Q: Where is the nozzle when turning on the system? A: In the artist’s hand, aiming toward the back. Q: When the helper opens the pressure valve, what else does s/he do? A: Hold up the plunger on the pressure pot. Q: At what pressure should you run the sandblaster? A: 40 to 60 PSI Q: You should turn off the vacuum as soon as you’re done sandblasting—True or False? A: False—the last users need to let it run 10 minutes before shutting it down.

Q: Which valve is open? A: The valve on the left. In line is open. Q: When is it safe to open to open the cabinet? A: When the plunger has dropped. Q: What if the plunger doesn’t drop? A: Push the valve up or down slightly.